Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in this morning and for their presentation. I have a couple of brief questions. First, going back to the document setting out the ten-year plan for the islands, can the witness clarify whether it was the island communities or representatives that suggested that if more time was needed, the Department of Rural and Community Development should take it in order to deliver and publish this report? Second, the representative bodies that came before the committee last week said they are seeking a draft copy of that report before it is published. Is that something that the Department is willing to do?

I know from being out on some of the islands that housing is a major issue. There are many vacant properties and issues around planning. Deputy Ó Cathasaigh has asked my question. I imagine that data on vacant houses and housing stock are really important, and would be important for the islands document. I acknowledge that the witnesses said a survey is under way. That is welcome. Will that be complete in time to feed into the islands document? The data from the survey will be important given the issue that housing is causing on the islands.